|
|
 |
| |
|
|
|
Evaluation of Occupational Exposure to Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields in Shield Metal Arc Welding Processing in Accra, Ghana |
|
|
|
PP: 193-199 |
|
|
|
doi:10.18576/jrna/060302
|
|
|
|
Author(s) |
|
|
|
A. Sawyerr,
Joseph K. Amoako,
John J. Fletcher,
E. Sosu,
M. Portuphy,
J. Kalognia,
|
|
|
|
Abstract |
|
|
| The shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) is the most commonly employed welding method in Ghana. This welding process can also produce some levels extremely low-frequency (ELF) magnetic fields (MFs) from the welding arc. The primary objective of this study was to quantify the level of ELF MFs exposure to welders from the arc of SMAW in factories or worksites in Ghana and compare them to guidelines set by these international bodies. Welders make up a large group of workers in Ghana and can be found in various factories and worksites engaged in welding of numerous metals. The magnetic flux densities ranged from 4.01 ± 0.72 μT to 196.46 ± 4.86 μT and the expected induced current density in the head, Jhead and trunk, Jtrunk of the welders ranged from 0.01 to 0.62 mA/m2 and 0.03 to 1.23 mA/m2 respectively. Therefore, these results are within the ICNIRP Reference Level and Basic Restriction of 500 μT and 10 mA/m2 respectively. Analysis of the responses from the questionnaire administered to the welders suggested that radiological safety practices among the welders were not adequate and most of them occasionally experienced common symptoms of health effects related ELF MF exposure. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
